On February 28, 2025, the "VOLUNTAINER Meeting 2025 ~ Explore, Learn, and Connect for Sustainability through Tokyo Marathon ~" included an event titled "Yoga and Sustainable Social Event to Lift Your Spirits! (Official Partner: ASICS Japan Corp.)." The event featured Mei Ichinose, a Paralympian who represented Japan in swimming at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympics and serves as an ASICS brand ambassador. She enjoyed doing yoga together with everyone who came to the venue.
In the talk session that followed, Paula Radcliffe, a former women's marathon world record holder, Tegla Loroupe, also a former marathon world record holder, and Yuko Kawakami, who competed in the women's 10,000 metres at the 1996 Atlanta and 2000 Sydney Olympics, discussed their current sustainability efforts.
■ Former marathon world record holders enjoy Tokyo
Moderator: From here, we'll introduce the Tokyo Marathon Foundation's sustainability initiatives and enjoy some interaction with our guests. Let's welcome our three special guests. First, Paula Radcliffe, a former marathon world record holder; second, Tegla Loroupe, also a former marathon world record holder; and third, Yuko Kawakami, a former Japanese track and field athlete. Ms. Kawakami placed 7th and Ms. Loroupe 6th in the women's 10,000 metres at the Atlanta Olympics. This makes it a special event, featuring two athletes who competed on the same stage in Atlanta. Also, all three will be participating as runners on March 2. Now, let's get to the questions. How are you enjoying Tokyo right now?
Radcliffe: I arrived last night and already love Tokyo. I experienced traditional Japanese kintsugi earlier, and had ramen for lunch. I'm really enjoying myself.
Moderator: How was kintsugi?
Radcliffe: It required some technique, but it was a lot of fun.
Moderator: Did you enjoy kintsugi, Ms. Loroupe?
Loroupe: Yes, lots of people helped me out.
Moderator: Are you enjoying Tokyo?
Loroupe: Yes, I'm having a great time. Everyone is so friendly, and I've got my "little sister" (Ms. Kawakami) here too (laughs).
Moderator: Does it feel like a family reunion?
Loroupe: Exactly. Sports connect people and bring us together.
Moderator: What are your thoughts right now, Ms. Kawakami?
Kawakami: I'm thrilled just to hear your names (laughs). I almost want to sit in the audience to listen to you both! I specialized in the 10,000 meters, not marathons, but this time I've been given the opportunity to run again at the Tokyo Marathon. I'm really looking forward to it and truly grateful. I'm really thankful for this chance to reconnect and see you again.
■ Athletes take the lead in sustainability efforts
Moderator: So, please tell us about your sustainability efforts.
Radcliffe: As a runner, I'm lucky to travel to different countries and take part in activities. Sustainability feels really personal to me—I participate in events like today and recycle bottles and other materials. I am also trying to minimize food waste, compost leftovers for my garden, drive an electric car, and use solar panels at home. A clean Earth allowed me to keep competing, so I want our generation to do everything we can to pass it on to the next.
Loroupe: I run a school with 700 children. We teach them not to throw away torn sportswear, but to collect and repair it so they can use it for as long as possible. Clean air is essential for athletes, so I believe athletes should be frontline ambassadors for sustainability, spreading the message to others.
Kawakami: During last year's Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon, I joined an activity where people cleaned the race route before the event. Since large races inevitably produce trash, we as runners took an active role in sorting and recycling it as a resource. As part of sustainability efforts, runners also cleaned up the course after finishing the race. I think these actions make runners ambassadors who lead by example. I hope we can not only focus on running, but also dedicate ourselves to these efforts.
Moderator: The Tokyo Marathon 2025 is supporting victims of the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake through the event. This includes a charity auction to be held after the race. For the auction, Paula Radcliffe and Tegla Loroupe will sign Tokyo Marathon 2025 Charity T-shirts and add their world record times. We'd also like Mei Ichinose and Yuko Kawakami to write messages and sign the volunteer message banners.
ASICS, an official partner of the Tokyo Marathon 2025 and a collaborator in this event, kindly asks everyone to bring their own reusable bags when shopping at the ASICS booth during the Tokyo Marathon EXPO. If you need a shopping bag, we kindly ask that you purchase one. Proceeds from any shopping bag purchases will be donated to charities supporting the Noto Peninsula.
We would like to express our gratitude to ASICS for their cooperation.
[In conclusion]
The Tokyo Marathon 2025 Plogging Event was held on March 1, the day after this event, in the Asakusa area, which is also part of the marathon course, and Mei Ichinose participated. She enjoyed chatting and jogging with the other runners in her group, picking up each piece of trash she found.
"Plogging" is a new SDGs experience sport that originated in Sweden, combining the words for trash picking ("Plocka Upp") and "jogging." The Tokyo Marathon is supported by the understanding and cooperation of many people, including those around the course. With gratitude to the city of Tokyo, the event was held again this year, with the theme "A Day Tokyo Blossoms in."
In an effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) the international community has set out to pursue, we carried out sustainability initiatives through the Tokyo Marathon 2025 in cooperation with official partners in projects such as charity and volunteering projects. These initiatives focused on reducing waste, protecting the environment, and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion).
We will continue to promote a sustainable society through running, calling for understanding and cooperation from everyone involved in the event.
● Related pages
[Interim Report] Support for Victims of the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake
Report: Tokyo Marathon 2025 Plogging Event
Another Interview Relay: ASICS Brand Ambassador Mei Ichinose's Sustainability Initiative Experiences during the Tokyo Marathon
Comprehensive Report: VOLUNTAINER Meeting 2025
● Other Related Articles
https://www.marathon.tokyo/en/news/sustainability/
